Annie Lennox pacts with UMG

Singer signs for Christmas album, more

Christmas came early for the Universal Music Group, which has signed singer-songwriter Annie Lennox, whose “A Christmas Cornucopia,” will be released Nov. 22 through UMG’s Island Records UK and Decca Records labels.

The soulful Scottish singer who started with the Eurythmics in the ’80s before going solo in the ’90s, inked a long-term worldwide recording agreement with UMG, although the label group wouldn’t provide details on the terms.

According to UMG’s announcement, the new album features Lennox’s “personal interpretations of some of her favorite Christmas carols,” in addition to an original composition titled, “Universal Child.”

Lennox comes to UMG after a long association with RCA, Arista and related Sony/BMG imprints (BMG folded into Sony in 2008) that began in the early ’80s and resulted in sales of approximately 80 million albums worldwide, 34 hit singles and four Grammy awards. She is managed by “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller.

“This album is something I’ve wanted to do for many years,” said Lennox in a statement. “I feel very fortunate to be in partnership with such a cutting-edge team, especially when I’m at a stage in my creativity when I want to diversify, and pursue my passion in my own individual way.”